Orthodox Youth in Kenya Charged to Event a future where climate change is not a threat to the Welfare of Africa

This was during the 10th National Camp of the Orthodox Christian Youth Association of Kenya (OCYAK) held at Indiana Girls High School, Nyeri, from 7th to 10th December 2023. The Camp brought together over eight hundred youths to celebrate their faith and interrogate their role in addressing the climate change crisis in Africa. 

“The Camp aligns with the All Africa Youth Congress campaign on the theme, Africa: My Home. My Future., and the broader vision of the Agenda 2063, The Africa We Want.” Noted Mr. James Mwaura the OCYAK chairperson. 

In his keynote address, Muyunga Brian, AACC’s Executive Secretary, Youth, described this gathering as a part of one big force of African young people rising with great determination and zeal for the holistic and sustainable development of Africa. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of St. Basil the Great who emphasized that the Earth is a gift from God to all people and we are mere tenants entrusted with its care, Brian urged youth to be responsible stewards who are sensitive to the welfare of the Earth.

“Part of our role is to ensure that there is Justice in the global response to Climate change,” he said. “This camp has come at a critical time when the world gathers at the Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai to address the pressing issue of climate change. Let us be interested in knowing what is being discussed there and express our positions and ideas even through all possible means,” He continued as he also encouraged the participants to remain committed to The Africa We Want. 

During this gathering, the youth led a climate change awareness walk around Gakindu town and also planted a thousand trees to mark the official launch of OCYAK’s “Project Green”, an initiative aimed at promoting responsible stewardship and creation care among young people of faith in Kenya. 

“One of the key things I have learned from this camp is that God wants us to take care of the environment because our welfare depends on its welfare,” said Wanjiku Susan Wangari; one of the orthodox youth leaders participating in the camp.